South Orangetown Central School District

Table of Contents

PLAN UPDATES

REMOTE LEARNING PLAN

TESTING AND CONTACT TRACING PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

TIMELINE

GOVERNANCE AND ACTION ITEMS

COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT
Communications Strategy and Plan
Engagement and Training

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Considerations of Reopening
Health Checks
Healthy Hygiene Practices
Social Distancing
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Cloth Face Coverings
Management of Ill Persons
Cleaning and Disinfection
Safety Drills
Health & Safety Training
Accommodations

FACILITIES
Considerations for Reopening
Space Utilization – Health & Safety Assurance
Fire Code Compliance
Lead Testing
Ventilation
Additional Resources

CHILD NUTRITION
Considerations for Reopening
Safety and Sanitation
Food Service Staff Training
Meal Service
Hand Hygiene
Social Distancing
Additional Resources

TRANSPORTATION
Considerations for Reopening
School Bus Requirements & Considerations
School Bus Staff Requirements
Students on Transportation Requirements & Considerations
Student Loading and Unloading
Pupil Transportation Routing Requirements & Considerations
Additional Resources

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Considerations for Reopening
Comprehensive Developmental Counseling
Mental Health and Trauma Responsive Practices
Additional Resources

SCHOOL SCHEDULES
Considerations for Reopening
Scheduling Options

ATTENDANCE AND CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
Attendance for Instructional Purposes
Attendance Considerations
Attendance for Reporting & State Aid Purposes
Chronic Absenteeism
Educational Neglect
Additional Resources

TECHNOLOGY AND CONNECTIVITY
Considerations for Reopening
Access to Computing Devices
Access to Internet Broadband
Professional Development and Training
Additional Resources

TEACHING AND LEARNING
Considerations for Reopening
Early Education and Learning
Continuity of Learning Plan
Collaboration, Grading, and Assessment
Interscholastic Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Career and Technical Education
English Language Learners/World Languages
Professional Development
Additional Resources

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Considerations for Reopening
Special Education Program and Services
Medically Fragile Students
IEP Implementation and Processes
Documentation Requirements
Additional Resources

STAFFING, EVALUATION, AND CERTIFICATION

APPENDIX: RESOURCES AND SAMPLE DOCUMENTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Considerations of Reopening

The health and safety of students, staff, and school community is the top priority when making the decision to reopen school campuses and South Orangetown CSD will work in conjunction with NYSED, the NYS Department of Health, and the Rockland County Department of Health in making the decision to safely reopen and remain open. In addition, the District will continue to monitor the regional rate of infection based on the formula prescribed by the Governor and follow all State and Local guidance received.

The reopening plan will support South Orangetown CSD leaders in their ongoing collaboration with their school communities and health professionals about reopening strategies. It is important that when schools reopen, the South Orangetown CSD continue this collaborative effort to monitor disease levels, adapt to suggested best practices, and communicate ongoing guidance.

The Director of Safety, Security and Compliance is designated as the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator, whose responsibilities include continuous compliance with all aspects of the District’s reopening plan. Further, the entire administrative team has the duty under their specific areas of responsibility to ensure the reopening plan is operationalized with fidelity.

Health Checks

Parents and/or Guardians, Staff and Visitors to our schools will be provided resources to educate themselves regarding the careful observation of symptoms of COVID-19 and health screening that must be conducted each morning before coming to school.

SOCSD Dual-Screening Protocol

a. Passive Screening: Staff, Students, Contractors, Vendors, Partner Agencies and Visitors

For SOCSD Staff, will be required to self-screen for symptoms by electronically completing a daily COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to entering all district property. In the case that a staff member answers yes to one or more of the items in the questionnaire, he/she is required to stay home and contact their direct supervisor. Supervisors will then contact the Director of Staff Relations for further instruction.

For SOCSD Students, all parents and/or guardians are required to electronically complete the questionnaire daily on their student’s behalf; this must be done before the student arrives on district property and/or boards a school bus. If the response on the questionnaire has one or more yes answers, the student must be kept home. The parent and/or guardian must report their child’s status to the attendance secretary following normal school procedures for reporting absences. The school nurse and/or trained personnel will follow up with parents and/or guardians for reported absences due to COVID related matters.

Contractors, Vendors, Partner Agencies and Visitors will be issued the screening questionnaire (either in person, by mail or electronically) and will be reviewed to ensure that answers do not include yes to any of the questions. No one will be allowed admittance to district property who has answered yes, and their immediate supervisor will be responsible for this process. In addition, contractors, vendors, and partner agencies are required to submit their approved NYS Forward Safety Plan to SOCSD prior to commencing any services for the district. Visitation in our buildings will be strictly monitored and limited to essential business only.

b. Active Screening: Staff, Students, Contractors, Vendors, Partner Agencies and Visitors

Staff will perform daily COVID screenings including temperature checks prior to arrival on campus, however, in the event a staff member arrives on campus exhibiting symptoms of COVID or a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, they will be isolated to a separate location and re-checked by the building nurse for an oral temperature. If the temperature is 100 degrees or greater (or other symptoms are present), the principal will be contacted by the Nurse, and the staff member MUST be sent home within 30 minutes. Staff Relations must be notified, and a return date will be reviewed with the Building Principal. If the oral temperature is below 100 degrees, the staff member will continue with his/her day unless they present with other symptoms.

The Director of Staff Relations and/or the Director of Safety, Security & Compliance will consult with the Rockland County Department of Health, in regards to the requirements for determining when staff members, who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at school. The returning protocol may include, but not be limited to:

  • The individual must be fever-free for at least 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing medications, and are symptom-free;
  • Documentation of evaluation by a healthcare provider (a healthcare provider note clearing a person to return to school/work);
  • Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result, and symptom resolution;
  • If COVID-19 positive, release from isolation from the Department of Health and/or healthcare provider. Also:
    • It has been at least ten (10) days since the individual first started experiencing symptoms.
    • It has been at least three (3) days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine), AND
    • It has been at least three (3) days since the individual symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.

Students will be screened for symptoms as they enter campus and/or school bus consistent with public health guidance, which may include but not limited to, visual wellness checks and temperature checks with no-touch thermometers (check temperature to ensure temperatures are not 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater) and other symptom checks such as: asking students if they have experienced COVID-19 symptoms within the last 24 hours, whether anyone in their home has had COVID-19 symptoms and/or a positive test, and/or traveled to an area listed as part of the travel advisory due to significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19 by the NYS Governor.

If a student is symptomatic while entering campus or during the school day:

  • The student will be sent to the school nurse for screening.
  • The student will be isolated in a pre-selected area of the school that is supervised by the school nurse and/or other trained personnel.
  • The student must immediately put on a mask or cloth face covering.
  • If screening indicates potential signs of COVID-19, parent and/or guardian will be contacted to pick up student from school immediately.
  • Student will remain in isolation until picked up by an authorized adult within 30 minutes.

Any confirmed COVID-19 case the SOCSD learns of regarding students will automatically be reported to the Rockland County Health Department by the School Nurse Team Leader and Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Contractors, Vendors, Partner Agencies and Visitors will be subject to live temperature screening with no touch thermometers and/or other screening technologies, and other symptom checks. This will be done by SOCSD personnel as deemed appropriate. In cases where one of these individuals exhibits a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, or other COVID-19 related symptoms, they will be denied access and/or removed from campus and their immediate supervisor contacted. Individual(s) will not be permitted back on school campuses until appropriate documentation (and acceptable to Rockland Department of Health) is received by the District.

Healthy Hygiene Practices

The District recognizes the importance of healthy hygiene practices and will work to support and convey the following to all staff, students, and visitors:

  1. Stay at home if they feel sick;
  2. Cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face covering when unable to reasonably maintain social distance from others;
  3. Properly store, clean, and when necessary, discard PPE;
  4. Adhere to social distancing instructions;
  5. Report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19;
  6. Follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection guidelines (e.g. signage and training) and;
  7. Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (e.g. signage and training).

Social Distancing

Social Distancing, also called “physical distancing” means keeping a six-foot space (and in some cases twelve feet) between oneself and others. In our chosen model of instruction, 50/50 hybrid (50% in-person, 50% remote), the number of students on all campus spaces will be limited.

The District will implement the following to ensure social distancing guidelines, to the extent practical:

  1. Create smaller student/educator cohorts to minimize the mixing of student groups throughout the day.
  2. Minimize movement of students, educators, and staff.
  3. Staff and students alike are required to wear a mask and/or cloth facial covering in all common areas, bathrooms, hallways, and when social distancing cannot reasonably be maintained.
  4. The use of barriers/dividers will be utilized in classrooms, offices, and other common areas when necessary.
  5. Turn desks to face in the same direction rather than facing each other to the extent practical.
  6. Six-foot teacher safety zones are identified in all classrooms.
  7. Utilization of visual aids (stickers, posters, arrows, cones, etc.) to illustrate traffic flow, proper hygiene, and appropriate spacing.
  8. Repurposing of larger alternate spaces (i.e., auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc.).
  9. Keep staff and students’ belongings separated and minimize sharing classroom materials.
  10. Divide entrances and exits to limit funneling through the same spaces and close contact.
  11. Alter emergency drills practices (i.e., fire and lockdown) to allow for social distancing.
  12. Minimize gathering in small spaces and discourage social gathering.
  13. Ensure that distance of twelve feet in all directions is maintained between individuals while participating in activities requiring projecting the voice (e.g., singing) and when participating in physical education activities.
  14. Cancel/limit in-person student assemblies, athletic events/practices, performances, school-wide parent meetings, field trips as deemed necessary. Rather adapt virtual means of holding these events.
  15. Visitors to campus will be strictly limited to essential business. Online meetings and other forms of electronic communication with parents and others will be strongly encouraged.
  16. Restrict usage of gathering areas and lockers. Students should not carry an unreasonable number of books and materials throughout the day.
  17. Properly supervise playgrounds to ensure social distancing.
  18. Avoid activities where multiple groups would need to interact when social distancing is not practical.
  19. Installation of physical barriers (e.g. desk dividers and sneeze guards) where physical distancing may be difficult and/or as an additional measure of prevention.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

SOCSD will follow all OSHA, CDC, NYSED, and Department of Health COVID-19 guidance, regarding PPE which includes:

  1. Selected PPE based upon the hazard to the staff member.
  2. Ensure PPE consistently and properly works when required.
  3. Regularly inspect, maintain and replace, as necessary.
  4. Properly remove, clean, store or dispose of, as applicable, used PPE to avoid contamination of oneself or others.

Staff members who are performing aerosol generating treatments (such as school nurses) including those known to be, or suspected to be, infected with COVID-19 will use appropriate PPE (e.g., surgical mask and face-shield). These treatments will only be allowed by each school health professional (e.g. school nurse).

Further all SOCSD staff members have been supplied with a face shield and washable mask, and access to a supply of disposable masks in each school building. All assigned teacher mobile desks and all clerical office desks have been supplied with a polycarbonate sneeze guard/barrier.

Cloth Face Coverings

Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Masks or cloth facial coverings must completely cover staff members’ noses and mouths in order to prevent the transmission of virus-containing droplets. Staff are required to wear masks and/or appropriate cloth face covering at all times (with the exception of those with a medical note on file, within the teacher safety zone) and are subject to disciplinary action if not strictly adhered to. This includes:

  • In all common areas of the school buildings;
  • In all hallways;
  • In all restrooms; and
  • In all other congregate settings (i.e. playgrounds, common office areas, conference rooms, classroom spaces).

Additionally, all SOCSD staff members have been supplied with a face shield and washable mask, and access to a supply of disposable masks in each school building. The inventory includes an adequate supply in the event students do not have a mask or cloth facial covering upon entering school. Each school will allow employees to wear their own acceptable face covering, pursuant to CDC guidance, or will wear one provided by the district.

Staff members with healthcare provider documentation stating they are not medically able to tolerate a mask and/or cloth face covering cannot be required to do so and will be directed to wear the face shield provided to them and to socially distance to the extent practical.

Students are always required to wear a mask or cloth facial covering with the exception of meal service times, this includes:

  • In all common areas of the school buildings;
  • In all hallways;
  • In all restrooms; and
  • During recess.

Students with healthcare provider documentation stating they are not medically able to wear a mask and/or cloth face covering cannot be required to do so, and will be directed to wear a face shield provided to them by their physician and/or SOCSD, and to socially distance to the extent practical. NYSED, CDC, and Department of Health guidelines will be followed when enforcing the wearing of a mask and/or cloth face covering, including when individuals should not be wearing a mask or cloth face covering.

The South Orangetown CSD will instruct students, parents/guardians, contractors and vendors on:

  1. The proper way to wear masks and cloth face coverings;
  2. Washing hands before putting on and after removing their face covering;
  3. Proper way to discard disposable face coverings;
  4. The importance of routine cleaning of reusable face coverings; and
  5. Not to share face coverings with anyone.

SOCSD has secured multiple vendor pathways for maintaining an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment.

Management of Ill Persons

Students and staff with symptoms of illness must be sent to the health office where a school nurse will perform an assessment. Anyone that has a fever or COVID-19 symptoms that is not explained by a chronic health condition (e.g. asthma, allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions), will be isolated in a separate room near the health office suite and be sent home within 30 minutes.

Administrators will work collaboratively with school nurses to determine if additional staff is needed to assist with non-nursing tasks such as:

  • Student Supervision
  • Telephone Calls, emails to parents/guardians
  • Assistance with completing required paperwork other than nursing documentation

If Students or Staff become ill with Symptoms of COVID-19 while at school:

  1. School staff will immediately report any illness of students or staff to the school nurse.
  2. The student will be sent to the school nurse for screening.
  3. The student will be isolated in a pre-selected area of the school that is supervised by the school nurse and/or other trained personnel.
  4. The student must immediately put on a mask or cloth face covering.
  5. If screening indicates potential signs of COVID-19, parent and/or guardian will be contacted to pick up student from school immediately.
  6. Student will remain in isolation until picked up by an authorized adult within 30 minutes.
  7. Staff member exhibiting symptoms of COVID or a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, they will be isolated to a separate location and re-checked by the building nurse for an oral temperature. If the temperature is 100 degrees or greater (or other symptoms are present), the principal will be contacted by the Nurse, and the staff member MUST be sent home within 30 minutes. Staff Relations must be notified, and a return date will be reviewed with the Building Principal. If the oral temperature is below 100 degrees, the staff member will continue with his/her day unless they present with other symptoms.
  8. The Director of Staff Relations and/or the Director of Safety, Security and Compliance will notify the Rockland County Health Department to satisfy reporting requirements and to begin contact tracing, if confirmed case.
  9. This district will follow all guidance from the RCHD and will close off areas used by a sick person and will not use again until the area can be properly disinfected.
  10. Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation throughout the space.
  11. Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as practical.
  12. Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, etc.
  13. Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for use.

Also, staff should be aware of the symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 which is a serious condition associated with COVID-19 in children and youth. Schools should notify the parent/guardian if their child shows any of the following symptoms and recommend the child be referred for immediate follow up with a healthcare provider:

  • fever
  • abdominal pain
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • neck pain
  • rash
  • bloodshot eyes
  • feeling extra tired

Schools must call for emergency transport (911) for any student showing any of the below warning signs (or other concerning signs) related to MIS-C:

  • trouble breathing
  • pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
  • new confusion
  • inability to stay awake
  • bluish lips or face
  • severe abdominal pain

Returning to School After Illness

The South Orangetown CSD will follow CDC guidance for a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) they can return to school if all of the criteria below are satisfied:

  • The individual must be fever-free for at least 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing medications, and are symptom-free;
  • Documentation of evaluation by a healthcare provider (a healthcare provider note clearing a person to return to school/work); AND
  • A negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result can be produced.

If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or symptoms, or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they will not be allowed at school and must stay home until:

  • A letter stating they are released from isolation by the Department of Health and/or healthcare provider.
  • It has been at least ten (10) days since the individual first started experiencing symptoms.
  • It has been at least three (3) days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine), AND
  • It has been at least three (3) days since the individual symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.

Ending Isolation of Person Potentially Exposed to COVID-19

The CDC has specific guidance for discontinuation of persons in isolation who may have been exposed to COVID-19. As this guidance is subject to change, the South Orangetown CSD will refer to the below link for ongoing guidance around this issue:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html

COVID-19 Testing

In accordance with CDC recommendation, the South Orangetown CSD will not conduct COVID-19 testing or require diagnostic or antibody testing of students or staff members. The decision of whether a test needs to be conducted will be determined by a healthcare provider or the RCHD.

Contact Tracing

In collaboration with the Rockland County Department of Health, the SOCSD nursing team and Office of Staff Relations will support contact tracing if a student or staff member is diagnosed as COVID positive.

The district will assist with contact tracing by:

  1. Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members.
  2. Ensuring student schedules are up to date.
  3. Keeping a log of any visitors which includes date, time, and where in the school they visited.
  4. Assist local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual at school in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided in accordance with the below link:
    https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing

Note: Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations. School staff should not try and determine who is to be excluded from school based on contact without guidance and direction from the Rockland County Department of Health.

School Closures

The South Orangetown CSD will collaborate with the Rockland County Department of Health to determine early warning signs to a closure (e.g. increase absenteeism or increased illness in the school community) and whether the school district can operate safely.

Cleaning and Disinfection

The South Orangetown CSD will follow CDC guidance in determining what level of cleaning/disinfection is necessary against COVID-19. Two resources that will be referenced are:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/cleaning-disinfecting-decision-tool.html

The following include, but are not limited to, cleaning and disinfections practices the South Orangetown CSD has implemented that align with NYSED guidance:

  1. Use only EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19.
  2. Close off areas used by a sick person and not using these areas until after cleaning and disinfection has occurred.
  3. When EPA approved disinfectants are not available, use alternative products (e.g. 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water or 70% alcohol solutions).
  4. Identification of cleaning and disinfecting frequency for each facility and area type.
  5. Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently and throughout the day such as: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards and tablets, and restrooms.
  6. Follow all manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfection of electronic devices such as laptops, iPads or Chromebooks, musical instruments.
  7. Maintain a cleaning log that includes date, time, scope of cleaning and disinfections; this will be posted in every area and updated periodically.
  8. Shared athletic/gym equipment (e.g. balls, protective gear) will be cleaned between use per manufacturer’s instructions.
  9. School Health Office cleaning will occur after each use of cots, bathrooms, health office equipment (blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, etc.), per manufacturer’s instructions.
  10. Outdoor playgrounds will be cleaned but do not require disinfection.
  11. If someone is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, the District will wait at least 24 hours (if feasible) before cleaning and disinfection.

Students should not be present when disinfectants are in use and should not participate in cleaning and disinfection activities. However, staff and students may use disinfectant wipes to clean work surfaces and devices used.

Safety Drills

The SOCSD will satisfy all mandatory Emergency Drills per Education Law, this includes lockdown, fire (evacuation), bus safety and early go home drills. The district will stay consistent with COVID-19 safety practices while conducting such drills, including social distancing, the wearing of face coverings, etc. To accomplish this, the District will:

  • Use a “staggered schedule” for Evacuation Drills, where classrooms will evacuate separately rather than all at once.
  • Conduct Lockdown Drills without hiding or sheltering. However, an explanation of how to hide or shelter will be provided during such time.

Health & Safety Training

The Director of Staff Relations and/or Director Safety, Security & Compliance will issue a District-Wide Memorandum before the start of the school year in order to apprise staff members of 2020-2021 required online safety training. This will include instruction in COVID-19-related protocols such as:

  • Safety actions related to COVID-19 (e.g. social distancing, etc.)
  • Putting on, taking off, and cleaning a mask
  • Proper handwashing and general hygiene
  • Proper respiratory etiquette

Additional ways the South Orangetown CSD will convey COVID-19 Safety information are:

  • Signage prominently displayed in each school/building
  • Timely and accurate information communicated parents/guardians and the community in multiple
  • formats and languages (please see Communications Section of this plan).

Accommodations

For Staff: The Office of Staff Relations will be disseminating a survey to all staff to determine those who may be at high risk or live with a person at high risk. Following the collection of this information, the Director of Staff Relations will reach out to staff members accordingly.

Forms are available in the Reopening Plan Appendix and on our webpage, such as:

For Students: The Office of Pupil Personnel Services is available to support any student whose medical needs preclude them from returning to in-person learning. Students who currently have a 504 plan or an IEP that includes medical alerts will be receiving a communication from this Office to develop individual plans. If a student is not currently classified or identified as a 504 student, a parent must notify the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel in writing of a request for such accommodations with medical documentation or a request or evaluations.